Arizona denies request to talk to Bush; rest of new staff taking shape

Published 6:30 am, Friday, January 27, 2006

The Arizona Cardinals denied permission Thursday for the Texans to interview linebackers coach Frank Bush to become the team's co-defensive coordinator.

The Cardinals' decision to keep Bush from getting a promotion — legal under NFL rules the last three years — throws the door wide open in the hunt to replace Vic Fangio, who was fired along with head coach Dom Capers at season's end.

Two of the NFL's most respected defensive coordinators, Jerry Gray (Buffalo) and Jim Bates (Green Bay), are still available.

Offers on the table

Gray interviewed for the Texans' head-coaching job and has offers from two teams.

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There were reports that Bates was a leading candidate to become defensive coordinator, but Kubiak preferred a twosome of Bush and Richard Smith, who was Miami's co-defensive coordinator last season.

Bush signed a new deal with Arizona last week, and the Cardinals won't allow him to leave.

While Kubiak tries to decide his next move with his defensive coordinator, he should soon find out if former Green Bay head coach Mike Sherman will accept his offer to become assistant head coach/offensive line.

As assistants for R.C. Slocum at Texas A&M in 1992-93, Sherman coached the offensive line and Kubiak the running backs. They helped the Aggies to back-to-back Cotton Bowls.

Until the Packers bottomed out this season, Sherman had produced five consecutive winning seasons, including four playoff appearances and three NFC North titles. He was fired and replaced by Mike McCarthy.

"I really don't want to talk about certain coaches because that's an ongoing process, and I don't want to jeopardize anything," Kubiak said. "But I would say we're over halfway through putting the staff together. We're going to hire good coaches who are good people. ... We're going to take our time and get the right people."

Although nothing official has been announced and won't be before next week, part of Kubiak's staff will be Troy Calhoun (offensive coordinator, quarterbacks); Kyle Shanahan (receivers); Brian Pariani (tight ends); David Diaz-Infante (assistant offensive line); Jon Hoke (defensive backs); and Joe Marciano (special teams).

Smith still in picture

Smith, who worked with Kubiak at Denver before coaching at San Francisco, Detroit and Miami, could be part of the defensive staff.

"I'm very high on some young coaches that I'm bringing with me," Kubiak said. "I was given a chance 11 years ago by (Denver coach) Mike Shanahan. I'd been in the NFL for one year, been coaching for three. He took a chance on me and gave me an opportunity. I'll give some of these guys that same opportunity I got because I believe in it."